In a dynamic move that could signal their intent for the coming NHL season, the Washington Capitals have added forward Andrew Mangiapane to their roster. The Capitals secured the 28-year-old from the Calgary Flames, sending a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft back to Calgary. This pick, originally held by the Colorado Avalanche, made its way to Washington through a prior trade involving center Lars Eller.
Mangiapane's Profile
Andrew Mangiapane is entering his eighth NHL season, bringing with him a cap hit of $5.8 million. This season marks the final year of his current contract, adding an element of urgency to his tenure with Washington. Last season, Mangiapane played in 75 games for Calgary, scoring 14 goals and providing 26 assists for a total of 40 points. His best season came in 2021-22 when he reached career highs with 35 goals and 55 points.
With 417 games under his belt with the Flames, Mangiapane has consistently demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively. His career totals with Calgary include 109 goals and 106 assists, amounting to 215 points. Known for his playmaking skills and offensive acumen, Mangiapane’s presence promises to complement Washington's existing roster, which struggled to find the back of the net consistently last season.
A Boost for a Goal-Starved Capitals
The Capitals ranked 28th in goals-per-game average last season with a meager 2.63. The acquisition of Mangiapane is a clear attempt by General Manager Brian MacLellan to inject some much-needed scoring prowess into the lineup. This move follows another significant trade last week, where MacLellan acquired center Pierre Luc-Dubois from the Los Angeles Kings at the cost of goalie Darcy Kuemper.
With core players such as Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie battling injuries, the arrival of Mangiapane and Luc-Dubois could provide the offensive depth that the Capitals desperately need. The Capitals did make the playoffs last season, but addressing their scoring issues was a top priority to make a deeper run in the postseason.
Ovechkin's Pursuit and Team Dynamics
While the addition of Mangiapane brings in fresh talent, all eyes will continue to be on Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, who is on the brink of breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record. Ovechkin is 42 goals shy of this historic milestone, and the addition of a skilled playmaker like Mangiapane could provide him with even more opportunities to score.
Mangiapane's role will be crucial as the Capitals aim to balance the need for immediate success with the long-term development of their roster. Given his contract situation, both Mangiapane and the Capitals will be eager to make the most of his time in Washington.
In summary, Washington’s or Acrobat's acquisition of Andrew Mangiapane reflects a commitment to enhancing their offensive capabilities and supporting their quest for sustained success. As the new season approaches, Capitals fans will be keen to see how these strategic additions impact the team’s performance and whether they can overcome the hurdles they faced in the previous campaign.